My Summer Regret?

Last summer, as most people I know personally are sick of hearing me talk about, I went to this Oxegen Festival in Ireland. Best time, no doubt.  This year I kept a close eye on the lineup as it developed, but was generally unimpressed.  Green Day and The Foo Fighters are big names and all, but it's not Bowie and The Cure.  The developing undercard was also pretty good, but by no means a knockout.  The Streets, Doves, Ian Brown, James Brown, New Order, Snoop Dogg, The Frames, QOTSA, The Killers.  All interesting acts, but nothing quite to warrant another trip.

My interest in the fest pretty much subsided once I made set plans for Coachella.  I figured that would be enough.  Soon, I stopped checking the Oxegen website regularly.  More or less gave up on the thing.

The complete lineup is now up, and I really really really wish I was going back.  Since last I looked, Bands like Interpol, Bright Eyes and The Futureheads are playing in a small tent.  Echo and the Bunnymen and Maximo Park are on the Second Stage.  LCD Soundsystem, Mylo and Death in Vegas on the Dance Stage.  Those are all nice adds, but the one that really caught my eye was the late half of the New Band Tent on Sunday...

Super Furry Animals
Brendan Benson
The Magic Numbers
Death From Above 1979
Republic Of Loose
Editors
Tom Vek

Wow.  I don't know about this Republic of Loose, but rest of the bands I would have a hard time pulling myself away from.  Quite a lineup.

I'll get over it, tho.  The Fest is completely sold out, and airfare costs way too much this close to the date.  I'm also thinking reeeal hard about going to Lollapalooza next month and ACL in September. 

Unlike most people I know, I really enjoy going to festivals like this.  I like how everything is laid out...you just have to get up and go see music.  No other distractions, nothing else to do.  I like sitting in the back on the grass and listening to the bigger bands, and I like being able to see bits and pieces of the smaller bands I'm curious to check out.  I understand why some people hate it, but it just works for me.

Overall, I suppose the lineup still isn’t as strong as last years, but it would have been a ton of fun.  Even moreso than the music, it was the memories of the people and the atmosphere and the experience that makes me want to go back.  Hopefully next year.

Comments

[jerry]

I'm with you Jeff... I like festivals like this. Nothing like seeing a month's worth of shows in a day or two.

[Colm]

Hi Jeff,

People are not too impressed with the headline acts this side of the pond either. But as you point out, there is a commendable line up regardless.

You mentioned the Republic of Loose, they're very different from the stereotypical Irish band. Kind of like Fun Lovin' Criminals. www.republicofloose.com

Some other bands of note to play are The Kaiser Chiefs, Bloc Party, Razorlight, The Bravery, The Prodigy, Doves, Interpol, Bright Eyes, The Go! Team and New Order.